Crambidae
Guides
Diatraea
sugarcane borer, stalk borer
Diatraea is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae comprising approximately 40 described species. The genus is best known for several economically important stalk-boring pests of grass crops, particularly sugarcane, corn, sorghum, and rice. Larvae tunnel within plant stems, causing reduced yield, lodging, and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Several species have been the focus of extensive biological control programs, notably using parasitoid wasps such as Cotesia flavipes and Trichogramma galloi. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas from the southern United States to Argentina.
Diatraea evanescens
Black-dot Diatraea
Diatraea evanescens is a moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1917. It is found across the southeastern and south-central United States. The species has a wingspan of approximately 18–20 mm and is active from March through September. Larvae feed on Paspalum larranagae, a grass species.
Diatraea lisetta
Dotted Diatraea
Diatraea lisetta is a moth in the family Crambidae, described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1909. It belongs to the genus Diatraea, which includes several stalk-boring pest species of grasses. The species has been recorded from Panama, Mexico, and multiple southeastern and mid-Atlantic states in the United States. As a member of the Diatraea genus, it likely shares the general biology of related stalk borers, though specific ecological details for this species are poorly documented.
Diatraea saccharalis
sugarcane borer, sugar-cane borer
Diatraea saccharalis, commonly known as the sugarcane borer, is a moth in the family Crambidae native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1794 and has since become a significant agricultural pest. It was introduced to Louisiana around 1855 and has subsequently spread throughout the Gulf Coast states of the United States. The larvae are particularly destructive to sugarcane, but also attack corn, rice, sorghum, and various grass species.
Dicymolomia
Dicymolomia is a genus of crambid moths established by Zeller in 1872, containing approximately eight described species. The genus is placed in subfamily Glaphyriinae. Dicymolomia julianalis has been documented as a seed predator on musk thistle (Carduus nutans) in Tennessee, with larvae feeding within seed heads and reducing seed production. The genus has been recorded from the United States, including Vermont and Tennessee.
Dicymolomia grisea
Gray Dicymolomia Moth
Dicymolomia grisea is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Munroe in 1964. It occurs in the southeastern United States, with records spanning from southern Texas through Florida to South Carolina. Adults display extended flight periods that vary by latitude, with Florida populations active nearly year-round and Texas populations showing more restricted seasonal activity. The species belongs to the subfamily Glaphyriinae, a group of crambid moths whose larvae are often associated with plant materials.
Dicymolomia opuntialis
Peppery Dicymolomia
Dicymolomia opuntialis is a small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 13 mm. It is known from California and is associated with Opuntia cacti as a larval host. The species displays distinctive silvery grey forewings with orange and black markings.
Diptychophora
Diptychophora is a genus of crambid moths established by Zeller in 1866. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed across the Americas, with species described from North America, Central America, and South America. Several species have been described relatively recently (2021), indicating ongoing taxonomic work. The genus belongs to the grass moth family Crambidae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized moths often associated with grasses and sedges.
Donacaula dispersellus
Wandering Donacaula
Donacaula dispersellus is a moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Robinson in 1870. The species is currently considered a synonym of Donacaula melinellus according to GBIF and the Catalogue of Life. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range in North America, spanning from southern Canada through much of the eastern and central United States. The common name "Wandering Donacaula" reflects its wide distribution.
Donacaula melinellus
Delightful Donacaula Moth
Donacaula melinellus is a crambid moth native to North America. First described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1861, this species is widely distributed across eastern and central United States and Canada. Adults are frequently encountered in wetlands and marshy habitats. The species is among the more commonly observed Donacaula, with thousands of documented records.
Donacaula n-sp-eight
Donacaula n-sp-eight is an undescribed species within the genus Donacaula, a group of crambid moths commonly known as grass-veneers. Species in this genus are associated with wetland and grassland habitats, though specific ecological data for this undescribed taxon remain unverified. The genus Donacaula is characterized by elongated bodies and narrow wings adapted for movement through dense vegetation.
Donacaula n-sp-five
Donacaula n-sp-five is an undescribed species within the Crambidae family, currently known only from a provisional designation. It belongs to a genus of moths commonly associated with wetland and marsh habitats. As an undescribed taxon, formal documentation of its characteristics remains pending scientific description.
Donacaula n-sp-four
Donacaula n-sp-four is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, genus Donacaula. As a formally undescribed species (designated "n-sp-four"), it has been documented in collections but lacks a published species description. Members of this genus are generally associated with wetland and marsh habitats. The species awaits formal taxonomic description and naming.
Donacaula n-sp-nine
Donacaula n-sp-nine is an undescribed species in the grass moth genus Donacaula, family Crambidae. Species in this genus are generally associated with marshy or wetland habitats and their larvae typically feed on monocotyledonous plants, particularly sedges and grasses. The specific epithet "n-sp-nine" indicates this is an informal designation used prior to formal species description.
Donacaula n-sp-one
Donacaula n-sp-one is a moth species in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus Donacaula comprises wetland-associated moths, commonly known as the Vagabond Crambus group. This species has not been formally described in the scientific literature and is designated here as an informal placeholder name. Members of this genus are typically associated with marsh and wetland habitats.
Donacaula n-sp-seven
Donacaula n-sp-seven is a moth species in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus Donacaula comprises grass moths associated with wetland and marsh habitats. This species is known from a single or limited number of specimens, with formal description pending. As a provisional name, 'n-sp-seven' indicates an undescribed species recognized in collections or research materials.
Donacaula n-sp-three
Donacaula n-sp-three is an undescribed species within the Crambidae family, currently recognized only by a provisional designation. Species in this genus are associated with wetland and marsh habitats, where larvae develop on emergent aquatic plants. Adults are generally nocturnal and attracted to light. The specific identity and distribution of this nominal species remain unresolved pending formal taxonomic description.
Donacaula n-sp-two
Donacaula n-sp-two is an undescribed species within the genus Donacaula, a group of grass moths in the family Crambidae. The 'n-sp-two' designation indicates this is a numbered provisional species awaiting formal description. Members of Donacaula are generally associated with wetland and grassland habitats. Specific information for this undescribed entity is limited to collection records and preliminary morphological assessments.
Donacaula undescribed-one
Donacaula undescribed-one is an undescribed species within the genus Donacaula, a group of grass moths in the family Crambidae. Members of this genus are typically associated with wetland and marsh habitats. As an undescribed species, formal documentation and characterization remain pending.
Donacaula unipunctellus
Donacaula unipunctellus is a species of grass moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Robinson in 1870. It is native to eastern and southern North America, with a range extending from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Texas and Utah. Adults are active nearly year-round in southern portions of the range, with more restricted flight periods in northern areas. The species belongs to the subfamily Schoenobiinae, whose members are typically associated with wetland and marsh habitats.
Duponchelia
European pepper moth (D. fovealis)
Duponchelia is a genus of snout moths (family Crambidae) established by Zeller in 1847. The genus contains at least five described species, with Duponchelia fovealis being the most economically significant and widely studied. D. fovealis, commonly known as the European pepper moth, has become a major invasive pest of protected crops, particularly strawberries, across multiple continents. The genus is characterized by its association with diverse host plants and its importance in agricultural pest management research.
Edia
Edia is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Odontiinae. The genus was established by Harrison Gray Dyar in 1913. It contains two described species: Edia minutissima (Smith, 1906) and Edia semiluna (Smith, 1905). The genus is placed within the snout moth family Crambidae, a large and diverse group of Lepidoptera.
Edia semiluna
A small crambid moth described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1905. Forewings measure 8–10 mm in length. Adults have been recorded in May, August, and October. The species occurs in southern Arizona and Mexico.
Elophila faulalis
Elophila faulalis is a moth species in the family Crambidae, described by Francis Walker in 1859. It belongs to the subfamily Acentropinae, a group that includes many semi-aquatic and aquatic moth species whose larvae develop in or near water. Adults have been recorded in flight nearly year-round in North America. The species is part of a genus whose larvae are known to construct portable cases from plant fragments and live in aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Elophila gyralis
Waterlily Borer Moth
Elophila gyralis, commonly known as the waterlily borer moth, is a species of aquatic moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by George Duryea Hulst in 1886. The species is distributed across eastern North America, ranging from Canada through the eastern and central United States. Its common name suggests an association with waterlily plants, though specific larval host details require further documentation.
Elophila icciusalis
pondside pyralid moth, Pondside Crambid Moth
Elophila icciusalis, commonly known as the pondside pyralid moth, is a small crambid moth native to most of North America. The species has a wingspan of 16–26 mm and is active from June through September. Its larvae are fully aquatic, feeding on submerged aquatic vegetation in freshwater habitats. Three subspecies are recognized: E. i. albiplaga, E. i. avalona, and the nominate E. i. icciusalis.
Elophila nebulosalis
Nebulous Munroessa Moth
Elophila nebulosalis is a moth species in the family Crambidae, described by Charles H. Fernald in 1887. It is restricted to the southeastern United States, with records from South Carolina to Florida. The larvae are thought to be aquatic, consistent with other members of the subfamily Acentropinae.
Eoparargyractis floridalis
Eoparargyractis floridalis is a small moth in the family Crambidae, described by William Harry Lange in 1956. It belongs to the subfamily Acentropinae, a group commonly known as water moths due to their association with aquatic habitats. The species is known from limited records in the southeastern United States.
Eoreuma
Eoreuma is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, first described by Ely in 1910. The genus contains 11 described species, with Eoreuma loftini (Mexican rice borer) being the most economically significant. This species is a major agricultural pest of sugarcane, rice, sorghum, and corn in the southern United States and Mexico, causing substantial yield losses through larval tunneling in stalks. The genus is native to the Americas, with several species described from the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Eoreuma callista
Eoreuma callista is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Klots in 1970. It is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Little is documented about its biology, ecology, or economic significance. The genus Eoreuma includes other species such as E. loftini (Mexican rice borer), a major agricultural pest, but E. callista itself has not been reported as a crop pest.
Eoreuma densellus
Wainscot Grass-veneer
Eoreuma densellus, commonly known as the wainscot grass-veneer, is a species of moth in the family Crambidae. It was first described by Zeller in 1881. The species is found in eastern and central North America, with adults active from spring through fall and year-round in Florida. The average adult length is 12.5 mm.
Eoreuma loftini
Mexican rice borer, Mexican Rice-borer Moth
Eoreuma loftini, the Mexican rice borer, is a small moth in the family Crambidae described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1917. It is a significant agricultural pest of sugarcane, rice, corn, sorghum, and lemongrass in the southern United States and Mexico. The species is invasive in the U.S. and is expanding its range northward at approximately 15 miles per year, having spread from Texas into Louisiana and Florida since 1980. Larval feeding inside plant stems causes characteristic damage including 'deadhearting' and 'whiteheading' in rice, and stem rot in lemongrass, resulting in substantial yield losses.
Eremanthe
Chemsak's desert moth
Eremanthe is a monotypic genus of crambid moths containing a single species, Eremanthe chemsaki. The genus was described by Munroe in 1972. Adults are active during daylight hours and occur in spring. The genus is restricted to desert regions of California and Mexico.
Euchromius
A genus of grass-veneer moths in the family Crambidae, established by Guenée in 1845. Species are distributed across all continents except South-East Asian islands, with highest diversity in the Palaearctic region, Africa, and the Near and Middle East. Several species are migratory and can establish temporary populations outside their core ranges. Larvae are primarily detritivores, feeding on dead plant material near the base of grasses and other plants.
Euchromiusini
Euchromiusini is a tribe of grass moths within the family Crambidae. The tribe comprises small to medium-sized moths associated primarily with grassland and savanna habitats. Members are predominantly distributed across the Old World, with highest diversity in the Afrotropical and Palearctic regions. The genus Euchromius, which gives the tribe its name, contains the majority of described species.
Eudonia alpina
Highland Grey
Eudonia alpina is a small moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Curtis in 1850. It has a wingspan of 20–25 mm and occurs across a broad Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults are active in June and July in Europe. The species is commonly known as the Highland Grey.
Eudonia commortalis
Eudonia commortalis is a species of moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1921. It is known from the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from Alaska southward through British Columbia, Washington, and California. Adults are active from spring through late summer, with flight records spanning April to September. The species belongs to the subfamily Scopariinae, a group of small moths commonly known as grass moths.
Eudonia echo
A small crambid moth found in western North America from British Columbia to California. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 15 mm and are active from August to October in California. The species was described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1929 and includes two recognized subspecies.
Eudonia leucophthalma
A small crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately 14 mm, found in western North America from British Columbia and Alberta south to California. Adults are active from May through September and can be distinguished from the similar Eudonia echo by their smaller size and more olivaceous, denser wing shading. The species includes two recognized subspecies: the nominate form in British Columbia and E. l. petaluma in California.
Eudonia rectilinea
Eudonia rectilinea is a small crambid moth described by Zeller in 1874. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia to California and east to Montana. Adults are active from spring through late summer. The species is distinguished by its relatively straight forewing lines, as suggested by its specific epithet.
Eudonia spenceri
Eudonia spenceri is a small crambid moth described by Eugene G. Munroe in 1972. The species is distributed across western North America from California and Arizona northward to Montana and British Columbia. Adults have a forewing length of 8–9 mm and are active from April through September. The species belongs to the subfamily Scopariinae, a group of small moths often associated with moist or riparian habitats.
Eudonia strigalis
striped eudonia moth
Eudonia strigalis, known as the striped eudonia moth, is a small crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1906. It occurs across eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida. The species shows latitudinal variation in adult activity patterns, with year-round flight in the south and a restricted season in northern populations.
Eurrhyparodes
Eurrhyparodes is a genus of snout moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. The genus was established by Snellen in 1880 and contains approximately 12 recognized species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Species in this genus are characterized by their relatively broad wings and often exhibit bold patterning. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with at least one species transferred to the genus Gonocausta.
Eurrhyparodes splendens
Eurrhyparodes splendens is a small crambid moth described by Herbert Druce in 1895. It is distinguished by striking metallic steel-blue bands bordering the wing margins and yellowish-white transverse lines on both forewings and hindwings. The species occurs from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Central America. Adults have been recorded active in July, September, and December.
Eurrhypini
Eurrhypini is a tribe of grass moths within the family Crambidae. Members of this tribe are small to medium-sized moths with narrow wings and slender bodies. They are associated with grassy and wetland habitats, where their larvae feed on monocotyledonous plants. The tribe includes several genera distributed across temperate and tropical regions.
Eustixia
spotted peppergrass moths
Eustixia is a monotypic moth genus in the family Crambidae, containing a single species, Eustixia pupula (spotted peppergrass moth). The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1823. Its sole representative is a small moth found in eastern North America, associated with plants in the mustard family.
Eustixia pupula
Spotted Peppergrass Moth
Eustixia pupula, the Spotted Peppergrass Moth, is a small crambid moth and the sole species in its genus. It occurs across eastern North America from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas, with records extending north to Ontario. The species is attracted to artificial light and has been documented in residential yards and urban settings.
Evergestis aridalis
Evergestis aridalis is a small crambid moth described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1914. It is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States, specifically California and Nevada. Adults are active in spring and late summer, with a wingspan of approximately 27 mm.
Evergestis consimilis
Singed Evergestis
Evergestis consimilis is a moth in the family Crambidae, first described by Warren in 1892. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas. Adults are active during late spring and summer months. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Evergestis extimalis by some taxonomic authorities.
Evergestis eurekalis
Evergestis eurekalis is a moth species in the family Crambidae, subfamily Evergestinae. It was described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1914. The species is known from the southwestern United States, with records from Arizona, California, and Utah. Like other members of the genus Evergestis, it is a small to medium-sized crambid moth, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.